After transferring from Lock Haven University, Brennan has enjoyed his time in the maroon-and-gold. He's looking forward to creating more memories when Kutztown (3-1 overall) hosts Chestnut Hill College (1-2) Wednesday evening at Keystone Arena. Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

 

Kutztown defeated Chestnut Hill, 91-77, last season at CHC's Sorgenti Arena behind Stephen Dennis (West Chester, PA/Henderson)' triple double (31 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists).  

 

So far this season, many of Brennan's early season efforts have left veteran head coach Bernie Driscoll in a jovial mood. However, Brennan's scoreless performance in the Golden Bears 62-59 loss to Wilmington University left Driscoll feeling like scrooge and the Grinch combined. Brennan was disappointed with that effort as well.

 

“It was very frustrating that we lost a game that we know we should have won,” Brennan said. “It was also frustrating for me because I did not play as well as I liked and missed many shots that I usually make. Coach just told me that he knows I can play better, but he also told me that the best thing is that that game is over and we have another one coming up. So I just tried to focus on doing a lot better in our next game.”

 

A preseason first-team all Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) East selection, Brennan has responded well to Driscoll's pep talk in KU's last two contests. He recorded a double-double (15 points, 11 rebounds) in a 90-49 wiin against Penn State-Berks and scored 20 points during a 76-64 victory over Goldey-Beacom.

 

Brennan is the Golden Bears' third-leading scorer at 12.3 points per game and second-leading rebounder at 7.5 per contest. He has been a perfect complement to senior captains Tamir Johnson (Philadelphia, PA/Imhotep Charter) and Julius Gray (Lincoln University, PA/Oxford Area). That triumvirate is averaging a combined 41 points per game for the Golden Bears. Brennan has used his smooth moves around the rim and opportunistic offensive rebounding prowess to provide KU with an added weapon. He's having a blast.

 

“It's real easy playing with Tamir because he is so unselfish,” Brennan said following the GBC victory. “We look for each other when we're out on the court and we definitely feed off each other. Transitioning to the team here has been really easy because everybody has welcomed me with open arms. This is a fun group of guys to play with because nobody's really selfish and there aren't any egos.”

 

Brennan has played with and against players like current NBA Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans, University of Pittsburgh standout Nasir Robinson, University of Virginia guard Jeff Jones, and former Saint Joseph's point guard Darrin Govens in the Chester Biddy League. None of them had egos either as they dominated the opposition during games. That's where Brennan developed his love for hoops. Chester is a hoops-rich haven and Brennan is part of that terrific lineage of outstanding players coming from the small city that sits south of Philadelphia on Interstate 95.

 

“My parents were the main reason I began playing basketball and sports in general,” Brennan said. “I'm very thankful they got me involved with playing sports because I've met a lot of good friends and mentors in the coaches I've had along the way.”

 

Chestnut Hill is a balanced squad featuring four players who average double digits. The Griffins top player through four games has been Brandon Williams (19.3 points per game. He has led Chestnut Hill in scoring in three games this season. Williams has been a handful early in the season as he also leads the Griffins with 18 assists. He is shooting 49.1 percent from the field (27-for-55).

 

Also averaging double figures for the Griffins are Dan Comas (17.3), Mark DiRugeris (10.3) and Trenton Davidheister (10.0). Comas is CHC's leading rebounder, averaging 9.3 rebounds per contest. Chestnut Hill's lone victory this season was an 88-73 decision over Bloomsburg before Thanksgiving. In that contest, Chestnut Hill raced to a 40-22 halftime lead.

 

Kutztown hits the road again Saturday when it visits University of the Sciences in Philadelphia in a matinee starting at 3 p.m.   

 

--KU--